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If you’re in Philadelphia and want the plans to finally make it out of the group chat, you’ll need to create a night out that’s impossible to turn down. But where, oh where, is that perfect Philly bar that will accommodate an unforgettable night for you and all of your friends?
Thanks to a thriving nightlife scene, Philadelphia is home to a staggering number of lively bars perfect for any vibe you and your team are looking for. Here are the best bars for a night out with a large group in Philadelphia.
What Makes a Bar Good for Groups?
Bars all have their own vibe. When you’re looking for a bar that will please the whole group, you’ll need to consider different factors than you would if you’re going out with your partner or hitting the bar to catch up with an old friend.
A few of the things you should keep in mind when looking for a place to take the whole crew include:
- Space: This one seems pretty obvious, but you’ll want to make sure the bar you choose isn’t too cramped for everyone to fit comfortably.
- Noise level: A calm, quiet little lounge is not the best place for a rowdy crew to get together. If your group is high-energy, make sure to find a bar that can accommodate your noise level so you don’t kill the vibe.
- Something to do (other than drink): If you’re traveling with a group, especially one where not everyone knows each other super well, you may want an activity like arcade games, pool, or shuffleboard to keep everyone entertained.
- Menu/drink options: Someone in the group is bound to get hungry, so look for bars that offer decent-looking food and a variety of beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options to accommodate everyone in your group.
- Bar vs. table ordering and ticket splitting: If everyone’s paying for themselves, you’ll want a bar where you can order at the counter so everyone can have their own tab to avoid check-splitting fees and hassles.
The Best Bars for Groups in Philadelphia at a Glance
- Barcade – Best activity-based bar
- Bok Bar – Best rooftop lounge
- Victory Brewing– Best brewery
- Frankford Hall– Best Biergarten
- Yards– Best for groups of 50+ people
| Bar | Best For | Vibe | Anything Extra? | Reservation required? | Food? |
| Barcade | Best activity-based bar | Lively, energetic, active | Classic arcade games and pinball machines | No | Yes |
| Bok Bar | Best rooftop lounge | Casual community-focused rooftop | Community events, drag shows, yoga | No | Yes, limited |
| Victory Brewing | Best brewery | Energetic and busy | Rooftop bar and lower patio, long house draft list | No | Yes |
| Frankford Hall | Best Biergarten | Lively but not too loud | Authentic German food, family friendly | No | Yes |
| Yards | Best for groups of 50+ | Bustling but big enough to spread out | Private rooms, open bar for bookings | No | Yes |
1. Barcade – Best activity-based bar
If your group longs for the days of yore, playing classic arcade games and pinball machines, Barcade is worth checking out.
The originator of the arcade bar concept, Barcade originally started in NYC and now has two locations in Philadelphia, including one in Fishtown and Center City. The drinks and bites are affordable, and Barcade takes reservations for parties as small as 10 people and as large as… well, you can buy out the arcade for a night if you need.
The main attraction here, of course, is the original arcade games (not props or replicas, the actual machines) from 20-40 years ago and a wide selection of pinball machines. Some of the big names include Defender, Galaga, and Super Street Fighter 2. Just like the old days, you purchase tokens for 25¢ each to use on the games. Most arcade games cost just one or two tokens, while pinball machines cost two to three.
Best suited for 20-50 people, Barcade has American craft beer on draft, house cocktails and mocktails, and creative variations on classic pub food. Their craft cocktails garner high reviews for an activity-focused bar, and everyone seems to love the nachos.
Pricing: No cover charge, drinks low-to-mid price, games one to three 25¢ tokens each.
Pros:
- Classic arcade games and pinball machines
- Zero proof cocktails and good food
- Affordable night out
- Reservations and special discounts available for large groups
- Nostalgic atmosphere
Cons:
- Can get really busy on weekends
- Fishtown location better-reviewed than Center City
2. Bok Bar – Best rooftop lounge
If your crew is looking for a rooftop lounge with a unique vibe for their big night out, Bok Bar offers the experience you want.
The view of the skyline is pretty nice from this popular rooftop bar that offers an extensive list of beers on tap and a nice cocktail menu, plus plenty of non-alcoholic mocktails and beer for the sober friends in your group.
Reservations are not required, but this summer you can book semi-private accommodations for groups of 30-100, making it a great pick for meeting up with a dozen people or for large groups. The vibes are what this place is really known for, with a bustling social energy that’s perfect for an outgoing group that wants some fresh air and a good drink.
If dinner is part of your plan, you’ll want to hit up a nearby restaurant first. While they have a few options from Korea Taqueria and occasional food trucks, there isn’t a full, expansive menu.
Pricing: No cover charge, dessert fee of $25 for plates and forks if you bring a birthday dessert, drinks mid-price.
Pros:
- Scenic rooftop view
- Ton of space for large groups, no reservation required
- Events like yoga and drag shows
- High-energy, lively vibes
- Family-friendly Sundays for friend groups with kids
Cons:
- Limited food options
- Outdoor-only, so if there are thunderstorms, they close
3. Victory Brewing – Best brewery
While there are a few breweries on this list (they’re great at accommodating big groups, what can I say?), Victory Brewing came up on at least half of the Reddit posts about bars for large groups in Philadelphia.
First off, the place is huge. It’s a two-story taproom with a rooftop patio and another downstairs that’s dog-friendly. No matter how many people you have, you’ll likely be able to fit everyone in your group as long as they’re not at capacity. If you do have 30-plus people, you will want to rent their private room.
The atmosphere here is lively, with long wooden tables and enough TVs that you can watch any game from anywhere in the place. They brew all of their own beers, offering everything from traditional lagers to a few different sours, plus ciders from their sister companies and a few cocktails.
They have a full menu of typical bar food, including shareables like nachos and cheesesteak rolls for your group to nibble on, plus sandwiches and tacos for the members of your crew that want something more.
Pricing: Inexpensive, with some beers costing under $10 for a pint.
Pros:
- Private event space available
- Rooftop bar and lower-level patio
- Ton of space, long tables, and private room for rental
- Huge list of beer
- Upbeat, energetic vibe
Cons:
- Food not super well-reviewed
- Can get noisy
4. Frankford Hall – Best Biergarten
For a true German Biergarten experience, you won’t find better than the famous Frankford Hall.
With an indoor-outdoor setup, your group can grab one of the long community tables inside or outside depending on the weather. Their German beers on tap are served in half-liter or liter steins alongside all of the traditional German foods you would expect, including schnitzel, sausages, and Bavarian pretzels.
For groups over 12, they offer a set, fixed menu upon request. If you just have a big group of people and want to order at the bar and find a table yourself, you can do that, too. They also are able to accommodate private events if that’s what you’re looking for.
The vibe is lively and busy, but the Biergarten is also kid-friendly, so families are welcome. Because there is so much room to spread out, you shouldn’t be fighting the noise too hard to carry on conversation. They also have board, card, and lawn games, including a ping pong table, to keep everyone entertained.
Pricing: Highly affordable with a cheap happy hour.
Pros:
- Indoor and outdoor space
- Board, lawn, and card games for entertainment
- Affordable beer
- Private event booking with pre-fixed menu available
- Big tables with no reservation required
Cons:
- Not great for groups 30+
- Some complaints that food is overpriced
5. Yards – Best for groups of 50+ people
If you have a really, really big group, Yards has what you need.
Whatever the size of your group, Yards can accommodate you. For groups of 10-50, you can rent the community tables for a semi-private experience complete with an open bar, family-style food replenished for 2 hours, complimentary parking, and the option to add a brewery tour or dessert for a special event.
Yards also hosts private events for groups up to 200 people, which is what made it my top pick for very large groups. There are two large private rooms available with pool tables, darts, a flat-screen TV, views of the brewery, and more.
Aside from the ample space and special accommodations for large groups, Yards actually has deceptively great beer and food. Based on size alone, you would expect a dip in quality or service, but most reviews about the food and drink are positive.
Pricing: Starting at $30 per person depending on food selection for parties 10-50.
Pros:
- Private rooms and tables available
- Open bar available for bookings
- Great beer and food
- Huge indoor and outdoor spaces
- Brewery tours
Cons:
- Bookings can get pricey
- Can get busy
So, What’s the Best Bar for a Group Night Out in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia offers a wealth of bars that each offer something a bit different, making it easy to find a bar that perfectly fits the vibe of your group.
For an activity-based bar with elevated bar food, a long list of beers and cocktails, and classic, original video games plus a ton of pinball machines, Barcade has two locations in Philly for every group.
If you’re committed to having a big rooftop to get some fresh air, Bok Bar is regarded as the best rooftop lounge in town.
Another great option with a rooftop bar and huge downstairs patio is Victory Brewing, my top pick for a brewery for large groups, with a huge venue to accommodate big groups and private spaces available for parties.
For an authentic German Biergarten experience complete with Bavarian pretzels and liter steins of beer, check out the famous Frankford Hall.
If you have an especially large group or are planning a big event like a high school reunion, Yards has the space to accommodate your whole graduating class.
Whether your group chat seeks rooftop cocktails, craft beer, or built-in entertainment, Philly truly has no shortage of options to make your next night out one everyone will fondly talk about for years to come.